How Wide is a 48 Inch TV? Dimensions Fully Explained
If you’re looking to purchase a new 48 inch television, one of the most important measurements to understand is the standard width. Knowing the exact dimensions of a 48 inch TV you’re considering allows you to ensure it will properly fit in your designated mounting location or entertainment center space.
Below we break down the typical width, height, depth, and other key dimensions for today’s average 48 inch TV models. We’ll also discuss the factors that impact the width like flat vs curved screens and other considerations to bear in mind when installing your shiny new television!
What is the Standard Width for 48 Inch TVs?
The typical width of most 48 inch televisions ranges between 42 to 43 inches wide. While dimensions can vary slightly across models or brands, you can generally expect a 48 inch TV to measure about 42.5 inches across its entire horizontal length.
What impacts a 48 inch TV’s exact width includes:
- Aspect ratio – Standard HDTVs have a widescreen (16:9) aspect ratio while older standard TV models were 4:3. Widescreen sizes will be wider.
- Flat vs curved – Curved 48 inch TV widths may add 1-2 inches on average.
- Bezel size – The plastic frame or edging around the screen adds a bit to the full dimensions.
But again, for today’s typical flat 48 inch TV, expect about a 42.5 inch width.
Average Dimensions for 48 Inch TVs
While our main focus is on establishing the standard 48 inch TV width, it’s helpful to know the average sizing for height and depth as well:
- Width: 42.5 inches
- Height: 24.5 inches
- Depth: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 32 lbs
As you shop TV models and brands, you’ll see the dimensions align pretty consistently to the size class for a 48 inch screen. Note that the smallest measurement is depth – today’s flat panels are just a few inches thin!
Now let’s unpack some key aspects of understanding viewable area versus full dimensions.
Understanding Viewable Area vs Bezel Size
The viewable screen area of a 48 inch television will typically measure 48 inches diagonally.
However, once you add in the plastic bezel edging surrounding the actual display, the full dimensions grow slightly larger.
For a 48 inch TV, average bezel sizes additions are:
- Top/bottom bezels: 0.5 inches
- Side bezels: 0.7 inches
So your viewable screen width may be 42 inches, while the full width is 42.5 to 43 inches once bezels are factored. Consider the bezels when ensuring your space fits the full dimensions.
Factors Impacting a 48 Inch TV’s Width
While dimension standards help set expectations, what are some things that impact a 48 inch television’s resulting width?
Curved Screen Design
Curved televisions can add 1-2 inches typically to width depending on curvature degree. The curve is measured by how far corners are angled inward – anywhere from 2,000R to 4,000R curvature. Measure carefully if considering a curved 48 inch model.
Wall Mounted vs Stand
How a 48 inch TV is positioned also changes dimensions:
- Wall mounted flush to the wall has smallest footprint
- TV stands/bases add 3-5 inches fore-to-aft
TV Depth and Body Size
While width is most critical, a TVs depth and overall chassis size varies. Try to allocate at least 4 inches depth if space constrained. Slimmer is better!
Width Considerations for Installing a 48 Inch TV
Here are some tips on allowances to make with your 48 inch television width when planning the installation:
- Measure twice your shelf width or media center space
- Ensure pathways exist for cords without compression
- Allow proper ventilation and airflow if enclosed
- Ideal viewing distance is 8-11 feet for a 48 inch
- Accommodate future larger TV if desired
Start planning early to make sure your 48 inch television fits nicely within any width constraints when choosing wall mounts or entertainment centers.
How to Calculate Screen Width for Any TV Size
While this post covers the standard 48 inch TV dimensions, if you want to know the width for other sizes, it requires only some simple math using the screen’s diagonal measurement.
Here is the quick formula to figure out width given the diagonal screen size in inches:
- Screen Width in inches = (Diagonal Size in inches / Aspect Ratio) x 0.893
For the standard widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, here is a shortcut formula:
- Screen Width in inches = Diagonal Size x 0.893
So for example, to figure out the width of a 55 inch TV with a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, you would:
1. Take Diagonal Screen Size: 55 inches
2. Multiple by 0.893 = 55 x 0.893 = 49.1 inches
Use this easy technique to get the screen width for any TV you are considering.
Also Read Other TV Size and Dimensions:
The Bottom Line – Typical 48 Inch TV Width
If you made it this far, hopefully you now have a full grasp on what the standard 48 inch TV width typically measures:
- Typical Width: 42.5 inches
- Range is usually 42 to 43 inch width
And while dimensions can vary based on flat/curved, bezel sizes, stands, and other factors – the majority of 48 inch televisions will align nicely to the sizes outlined here.
Knowing the exact width and preparing installation plans accordingly helps guarantee your shiny new TV fits nicely regardless of limited spaces or width constraints.
So be sure to measure thoroughly and double check the full dimensions – don’t assume a 48 inch model will perfectly fit a past TV’s old shelf without planning first!